UGL Transport’s manufacturing and maintenance business in Western Australia (WA) has successfully extended the life of five Dash 9 locomotives servicing the Pilbara. The work was proudly delivered in partnership with UGL’s long‑term alliance partner, Wabtec Corporation.
This achievement reflects the Western Australian Government’s strong focus on building and sustaining local rail manufacturing, maintenance capability, and skilled WA jobs - a central pillar of its Made in WA economic plan, which prioritises advanced manufacturing and strengthening WA’s domestic industrial base.
“This is a Made in Western Australia success,” said Mike Williams, UGL Transport’s manufacturing and maintenance Senior Operations Manager in WA.
“The project team has done an outstanding job extending the lives of these locomotives for one of Australia’s most significant companies. This work directly supports WA’s ambition to expand local manufacturing and maintenance capability - the same ambition driving the State’s local industry and rail manufacturing initiatives.
“This is a proud Western Australian solution that we delivered alongside our long‑term partner Wabtec and delivered by UGL’s employees at our Bassendean facility.”
UGL Transport’s alliance with Wabtec spans more than 60 years and includes locomotive manufacturing and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) maintenance services for many of Australia’s freight rail companies and agencies.
The Dash 9 locomotive life‑extension program included comprehensive work on engines, bogies, traction motors, wheelsets, cab refurbishments, and body structures, followed by rigorous testing to ensure readiness for continued service.
Our client acknowledged the quality of work delivered by the UGL and Wabtec teams and how smoothly the project progressed, noting that this is a standout example of high‑quality maintenance work made in Western Australia.
The Dash 9s will return to operations in the Pilbara, continuing to transport resources to global markets.
Supporting the future of WA industry
“We know Western Australian companies and government agencies are continuing to look for solutions that are made in Western Australia,” Mike Williams said.
“Our locally delivered locomotive life‑extension program demonstrates exactly what the State’s Made in WA plan is all about - strengthening local capability, supporting skilled WA jobs, and contributing to a more diversified industrial economy. We are delighted to offer the market a truly Western Australian solution, using deep rail sector and freight maintenance expertise grounded right here in WA.”